Griddle Source / Experince?

[TroutBear]

Seen photos on EE of folks using a griddle on a two burner stove. No link there - whose brand are those using one happy with. Anyone tried a material other than the typical cast iron?

[DontPanic42]

I use a couple of steel griddles that were made locally. Similar to a grill / flat top that you would see in a diner. They work fine.

[offroadchef]

I use a couple of steel griddles that were made locally. Similar to a grill / flat top that you would see in a diner. They work fine.
Did you have a stainless steel top on the griddle or just bare steel? Which thickness did you go with?

Markus

[DontPanic42]

Just plain old carbon steel. Being a Metallurgist I probably shouldn't say this, but I don't like stainless steel. At least to cook on, that is. Everything is stored off site so I'll have to check the thickness tomorrow.

[EricG]

Try lodge cast iron, works for me.

[RHINO]

cast iron is great, but steel griddles are just as nice. 1/4" is what the good ones are.

[Carlyle]

Weber cast iron griddle on a Weber barbecue, works awesome!

[DontPanic42]

Yep, 1/4 " spec. is what mine are. Good cast iron is great and I have plenty of it. Steel will take more abuse, however. More than once I have had someone crack or take a big chip out of one of my good pieces of cast iron by throwing it in the back of the truck or trailer. I have a friend who makes Dutch Ovens from heavy wall steel pipe. They work great. We use both when we cook.

[rusty_tlc]

I have an ancient Griswold cast iron griddle my Mom used for years before she gave it to me. I think she got it before I was born when we lived in Alaska. I know it has been on uncountable camping trips. Based on this I would say cast iron is fairly durable.

We use ours two ways. First you can set it on a two burner stove which makes a nice cook top.

Second, we use it with our propane grill. This is nice if you want to save space and only bring the grill instead of a grill and stove.
Here are a couple of pictures I took when I was testing out a Fajita dish at home.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a171/Rusty_clt/dutch_oven/Dscn2243.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a171/Rusty_clt/dutch_oven/Dscn2248.jpg

[kerry]

I have cast aluminum griddle that I use on canoe trips where weight is an issue. It works very well. It's cast with the drain grooves around the rim and I like those.
I typically use cast iron at home.

[JeepN95YJ]

Just plain old carbon steel. Being a Metallurgist I probably shouldn't say this, but I don't like stainless steel. At least to cook on, that is. Everything is stored off site so I'll have to check the thickness tomorrow.


If I were going to make my own out of carbon steel, what would I need to do to make sure it was safe to cook on? I know a lot of steel you purchase is oiled.

Also, how would I keep it from rusting? I know my cast iron works great once it is seasoned. Do you do the same with carbon steel?

[rusty_tlc]

If I were going to make my own out of carbon steel, what would I need to do to make sure it was safe to cook on? I know a lot of steel you purchase is oiled.

Also, how would I keep it from rusting? I know my cast iron works great once it is seasoned. Do you do the same with carbon steel?
Good question.

[DontPanic42]

We have been coating all our cooking equipment whether cast iron or steel that we have been using the past `10 - 12 years on the chuck wagon with a thin layer of mineral oil. It will stay put in a down pour and will not turn rancid with age. Just heat the pot up and it will burn off and leave no residue. All my pieces that are in storage are treated this way and are rust free.

[James86004]

Just plain old carbon steel. Being a Metallurgist I probably shouldn't say this, but I don't like stainless steel. At least to cook on, that is.

So, what is in stainless that is not in carbon steel that you are worried about? The chromium? The way it is made?

I took just enough materials science in college to realize it is black magic to me.

[DontPanic42]

Nothing to do with what's in it or how it's made. Certainly, not worried about chromium. I find that while it looks pretty, it is crappy to cook on. I find that food sticks on it and there are frequently hot spots. That said, someone will chime in and say it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Personally, I like plain cast iron, enameled cast iron, old steel fry pans, those kind of things. It all comes down to what you are used to and like to use. What gets the job done. I hear people rave about titanium pots. For me, titanium is for airplanes. But then again I am an ungracious and grumpy person of extended years who's prone to flatulence.
Y'all have a good one, hear.

[DesertRose]

I have an ancient Griswold cast iron griddle my Mom used for years before she gave it to me. I think she got it before I was born when we lived in Alaska. I know it has been on uncountable camping trips. Based on this I would say cast iron is fairly durable.

We use ours two ways. First you can set it on a two burner stove which makes a nice cook top.

Second, we use it with our propane grill. This is nice if you want to save space and only bring the grill instead of a grill and stove.
Here are a couple of pictures I took when I was testing out a Fajita dish at home.

You're really lucky - that's an incredible grill, and hard to find now - I think Griswold was all-US made, and really good quality. I have a very old Griswold waffle iron we use every Sunday.

I second all the comments here on iron and carbon steel for griddles (and other cookware). I cook almost exclusively at home on cast iron (both 'naked' and enameled). Love it. Better than teflon for non-stick.

[James86004]

Nothing to do with what's in it or how it's made. Certainly, not worried about chromium. I find that while it looks pretty, it is crappy to cook on.

Thanks for clearing that up. I interpreted your earlier comment incorrectly.

We just got our first cast-iron skillet, and have found it makes our electric stove a lot easier to use than our stainless steel stuff did. It makes the urgency of getting a gas stove less urgent.

[Superu]

I have cast aluminum griddle that I use on canoe trips where weight is an issue. It works very well. It's cast with the drain grooves around the rim and I like those.

2nd the aluminum griddle. We love ours. Lightweight, good heat distribution and easy to clean,

[rusty_tlc]

... But then again I am an ungracious and grumpy person of extended years who's prone to flatulence.

That could be my sig line right there. :clapsmile

[Accrete]

I've recall cast iron products in use during family camp outs for as long as i remember (50yrs - 5yrs??). My wife and i switched several years ago to SS+copper-bottom. No issues so far and we find ourselves cooking with much lower flame on the cook-top due to the designs.

: ) Thom

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Is this any good?


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44704

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/44700-44799/44704.gif


I know it's prolly oiled up.....and from China!

How soon would I die?:o


....and should I bring a Spot.....so I can hit it one last time before I fire up da griddle>?!!!!:D




.

[Superu]

I like the two sided flat grill and slotted grill aspect. Since it's cast iron it's probably not filled with lead! :)

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I also found this one..........


Great Price!


Griddle/Grill Topper............ (http://www.mileskimball.com/mileskimball/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?CID=Outdoor&SCID=Picnic,+++Patio+%26+++++++BBQ&ProductID=0000151799&SiteNum=0)

http://www.mileskimball.com/mileskimball/images/p151799b.jpg


I like the holes.

Tell me what the advantages of the holes are?

Good when cooking...........? ........Fish....Veggies......small little thingys that could normally fall through? Get ALL da smokey grill flavor on da food?


OH Shoot!.......I can't use this one with a Coleman Stove!




.

[IggyB]

I use a 12" lodge skillet as a griddle when cooking for 1 or 2. And using it on the cast iron grill of the WeberQ grill keeps the heat nice and consistent.

[AndrewP]

Very jealous of that Griswold piece. If you want to sell, PM me.


Anyway, as a long term cast iron appreciator, the thrift store is an excellent place to find decent skillets and occasional gems like griddles. I really dislike stainless, mainly because verything sticks so badly. I would guess things stick to Aluminum because it can't be seasoned, but I don't know so don't take it as gospel.

I am intrigued by the idea of making a griddle from a sheet of 1/4 inch steel plate. Weld on a rim.... I wonder if you can season mild steel. Probably worth a try.

Regarding the cast iron from China-they rust proof it with a nasty shellec/wax that has to be scrubbed in very hot water and soap to remove it. Lodge is shipped with just a coating of veg oil and can just be cleaned with hot water and seasoned. Besides, Lodge cast iron is cheap anyway, you may as well keep those dollars circulating in our economy and not China's.

Lodge makes a round griddle that works great on a camp stove and isn't too heavy, as well as some rectangular traditional shaped griddles. I have the larger of the two and it's heavy and does a great job. Just remember it takes 5-10 minutes to come up to full even heat before you cook.

[James86004]

The Chinese made one I looked at had quite a few little bubbles in the surface, whereas our Lodge cast iron one is completely smooth.

[rusty_tlc]

Very jealous of that Griswold piece. If you want to sell, PM me.


Anyway, as a long term cast iron appreciator, the thrift store is an excellent place to find decent skillets and occasional gems like griddles. I really dislike stainless, mainly because verything sticks so badly. I would guess things stick to Aluminum because it can't be seasoned, but I don't know so don't take it as gospel.

I am intrigued by the idea of making a griddle from a sheet of 1/4 inch steel plate. Weld on a rim.... I wonder if you can season mild steel. Probably worth a try.

Regarding the cast iron from China-they rust proof it with a nasty shellec/wax that has to be scrubbed in very hot water and soap to remove it. Lodge is shipped with just a coating of veg oil and can just be cleaned with hot water and seasoned. Besides, Lodge cast iron is cheap anyway, you may as well keep those dollars circulating in our economy and not China's.

Lodge makes a round griddle that works great on a camp stove and isn't too heavy, as well as some rectangular traditional shaped griddles. I have the larger of the two and it's heavy and does a great job. Just remember it takes 5-10 minutes to come up to full even heat before you cook.
I'll trade you the Griswold griddle for the knuckle SST. :flipoff2:

If you fab your own I'd suggest 3/8" steel with a rim 3/4 of the way around and a catch basin in the front, just like a real flat top. You could probably use a piece of angle iron with one edge cut down for the grease trap. I think 1/4" would be to prone to warp and 3/8 wouldn't add that much to the cost or weight.

[AndrewP]

I'll trade you the Griswold griddle for the knuckle SST. :flipoff2:

If you fab your own I'd suggest 3/8" steel with a rim 3/4 of the way around and a catch basin in the front, just like a real flat top. You could probably use a piece of angle iron with one edge cut down for the grease trap. I think 1/4" would be to prone to warp and 3/8 wouldn't add that much to the cost or weight.

I would consider trading the knuckle SST for that. is it a big flag Griswold or a small flag? post a pic of the back if you have nothing else to do, or better yet, show it to me next trip. BTW_You are welcome to use the knuckle tool at any time. It is as cool as it looks and works amazingly well.

I am going to try a small scale griddle out of 3/8. I agree it is likely to warp welding on the sides. If it will season like cast iron, I'll make a full size two burner one. I just need a weekend with nothing else to do. I might get one in 2011. Maybe.



Edit: this is my favorite griddle. I never use the grill side, but the flat side is the bomb.https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=logic&idProduct=3943

[rusty_tlc]

I would consider trading the knuckle SST for that. is it a big flag Griswold or a small flag? post a pic of the back if you have nothing else to do, or better yet, show it to me next trip. BTW_You are welcome to use the knuckle tool at any time. It is as cool as it looks and works amazingly well.

I am going to try a small scale griddle out of 3/8. I agree it is likely to warp welding on the sides. If it will season like cast iron, I'll make a full size two burner one. I just need a weekend with nothing else to do. I might get one in 2011. Maybe.



Edit: this is my favorite griddle. I never use the grill side, but the flat side is the bomb.https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=logic&idProduct=3943
Mom would likely disown me if I let that griddle go.

Maybe I could cook you up some Fajitas on a Goler wash to Balarat trip sometime this winter?

Actually I was thinking 1/4" might warp in use. Chicago is looking for welding projects. Let me cost out materials and see if he wants to fab one up out of 3/8".

[rusty_tlc]

Just called Metal Masters, $35 for a piece of 3/8" X 10" X 16" steel.

I wonder how that compares to a manufactured griddle?

[laxtoy]

Is this any good?


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44704

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/44700-44799/44704.gif


I know it's prolly oiled up.....and from China!

How soon would I die?:o


....and should I bring a Spot.....so I can hit it one last time before I fire up da griddle>?!!!!:D




.

I have one i have been using for years i got from joe's (formerly g.i. joe's, GO JOE!), and i'm not dead yet. i keep it greased, and it's cast iron, should be safe enough. i like the grease run off, keeps your :steak: from sitting in a pool o' grease

[762X39]

I have the same griddle (chinese crap really) and found it warped but works ok.I've had it for about 10 years. There are nicer (heavier) ones that cost more and if you are cooking for more than 2 they would be better,

[robertdarin]

my roomate has an aluminum one and hates it. the thing only works directly over the burners otherwise you can pick it up with your bare hand...go steel or cast iron:chowtime:

[rusty_tlc]

I would consider trading the knuckle SST for that. is it a big flag Griswold or a small flag? post a pic of the back if you have nothing else to do, or better yet, show it to me next trip. BTW_You are welcome to use the knuckle tool at any time. It is as cool as it looks and works amazingly well.

I am going to try a small scale griddle out of 3/8. I agree it is likely to warp welding on the sides. If it will season like cast iron, I'll make a full size two burner one. I just need a weekend with nothing else to do. I might get one in 2011. Maybe.



Edit: this is my favorite griddle. I never use the grill side, but the flat side is the bomb.https://secure.lodgemfg.com/storefront/product1_new.asp?menu=logic&idProduct=3943
Is this the big flag?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a171/Rusty_clt/dutch_oven/DSCN0981.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a171/Rusty_clt/dutch_oven/DSCN0982.jpg

[AndrewP]

Wow...That's a nice one. Roughly 1925-1940. Not that they are super valuable, but that's a nice one. Since it says Eire, PA means it was made before Wagner bought the Girswold company. Anyway, that's cool. Give it to your kid in a few years. Thanks for the pics.

[robertdarin]

now that is a griddle!:26_7_2:

[rusty_tlc]

Wow...That's a nice one. Roughly 1925-1940. Not that they are super valuable, but that's a nice one. Since it says Eire, PA means it was made before Wagner bought the Girswold company. Anyway, that's cool. Give it to your kid in a few years. Thanks for the pics.
Thanks, I should take a look at the other cast iron Mom doesn't use any more.

I'll cook next time we do Fordyce.:chef:

Fajitas anyone?

[Joanne]

Cast iron griddles (like the Lodge) have the same benefits as a cast iron dutch oven. With care they develop a nice seasoning that is great to cook on.

For those who want a steel griddle but don't want to fabricate your own, Camp Chef sells a number of different versions. Drop by a Sportsman's Warehouse if you have one close by. They carry a nice selection of outdoor cooking gear.

Joanne

[Joanne]

Yep, 1/4 " spec. is what mine are. Good cast iron is great and I have plenty of it. Steel will take more abuse, however. More than once I have had someone crack or take a big chip out of one of my good pieces of cast iron by throwing it in the back of the truck or trailer. I have a friend who makes Dutch Ovens from heavy wall steel pipe. They work great. We use both when we cook.

Hey DP42!

Do you have any photos of those home made ovens? That sounds interesting! I've welded up a number of DO cooking tables, including some made from plow disks. I've also made coal rakes, ash buckets, lid lifters, and some of the other cooking "necessities". I've thought about making up a big frying pan, but not a DO.....(till now that is...LOL!)

I was on an Australian camp cooking forum and they had photos where some folks took old diesel truck wheels (the OLD style that didn't have a center section), welded the bottoms shut, then made lids out of plow disks. I'm not sure I'd want to go that far, but it was interesting to see. The old Furfy ovens are super cool though.

Joanne

[DesertRose]

Hey DP42!

Do you have any photos of those home made ovens? That sounds interesting! I've welded up a number of DO cooking tables, including some made from plow disks. I've also made coal rakes, ash buckets, lid lifters, and some of the other cooking "necessities". I've thought about making up a big frying pan, but not a DO.....(till now that is...LOL!)

I was on an Australian camp cooking forum and they had photos where some folks took old diesel truck wheels (the OLD style that didn't have a center section), welded the bottoms shut, then made lids out of plow disks. I'm not sure I'd want to go that far, but it was interesting to see. The old Furfy ovens are super cool though.

Joanne

People make ovens from the most amazing things - we've seen fabricated boxes and old oil drums and inverted ammo cans. Most of the rest of the world you can find fabricators in makeshift roadside shops in any major town (and most minor!).

I'd be interested in seeing more about this, too. What's a Furfy oven . . . need to look that up!

I thought about using an inverted galvanized steel pan over a couple loaves of bread (that's how they do it in Kenya, with steel boxes) but I read that outgassing from galvanizing might be bad.

[DesertRose]

Found the 'furfy' oven story after a bit of sleuthing!

It's actually Furphy, the name of the very old foundry that makes camp ovens and other items for ranches and outback living.

http://www.furphyfoundry.com.au/camp&kitchen.html

Excellent - now to see what makes them so great!

[DontPanic42]

I was just at my friends place this weekend and was shlepping ovens all weekend. Had a camera with me to take pictures of the chuck wagon we were cooking from Saturday night. Left it at the house. I was in a dead zone for the air card on my laptop so didn't get your request until I got back to civilization. I'll get some pictures of his ovens on my next trip. His website is down so I can't send you there at this time.

[rusty_tlc]

Just called Metal Masters, $35 for a piece of 3/8" X 10" X 16" steel.

I wonder how that compares to a manufactured griddle?
I was at Cabellas today, they have a nice 1/4" steel griddle with formed sides for $39.
So much for making your own.

[DontPanic42]

DR & Joanne,
Finally found the working website. My friend is also a wagon maker and the cookware is listed on that site. He shows 16" pots but also does 14" and other sizes on special order.

www.prospectwagonworks.com